Day Skipper Fast Track sailing in Phuket

RYA · SAIL CRUISING

RYA Day Skipper Fast Track

A 12-day pathway combining Competent Crew, Day Skipper Practical and RYA Marine Radio VHF/SRC with a 10% package saving.

12-day packageBeginnerVHF/SRC included

Duration

12 days

Level

Beginner

Max students

5

From

€2,430

Course Overview

The RYA Day Skipper Fast Track is a coordinated 12-day route from beginner crew to aspiring skipper. It combines RYA Competent Crew, RYA Day Skipper Practical and RYA Marine Radio VHF/SRC in one directly bookable package.

The two practical weeks run consecutively from Yacht Haven Marina, with the intervening weekend included in the overall programme. The package price is 90% of the combined standard CC, DSP and VHF/SRC prices.

Day Skipper theory is completed separately. We recommend completing the RYA Day Skipper Theory online course with our partners Skippers Online or Ardent Training before arriving in Phuket, so the practical programme can focus on applying navigation, pilotage and command skills aboard.

Sailing conditions

Phuket offers year-round tropical sailing. The northeast-monsoon months are generally drier, while the southwest monsoon can bring fresher winds, tropical showers and larger swell on exposed Andaman routes. Phang Nga Bay provides more sheltered water, allowing the instructor to select suitable training areas for the day’s conditions.

Places to explore

Depending on weather and training objectives, the cruising area can include limestone anchorages in Phang Nga Bay, islands near Phuket and, on suitable passages, the Phi Phi Islands. The final route is always set by the instructor and is not a fixed holiday itinerary.

Who Is This Course For?

Motivated beginners who want an intensive, structured progression from their first practical sailing experience toward Day Skipper-level skills.

Prerequisites

  • No previous sailing experience required
  • Reasonable mobility and fitness for two practical weeks aboard
  • Minimum age: 16 years old
  • Day Skipper-level theory knowledge must be completed or otherwise demonstrated before certification at the practical level. We recommend completing the RYA Day Skipper Theory online course with our partners Skippers Online or Ardent Training before the practical programme

Typical Itinerary

Board before the first practical week, complete Competent Crew training, continue through the intervening weekend and then undertake the Day Skipper Practical component. Exact VHF/SRC delivery and assessment timing is confirmed in the joining instructions.

  • Days 1–5: Competent Crew practical skills, helming, sail handling, ropework and onboard routines
  • Days 6–7: intervening weekend for consolidation and rest; students arrange their own time
  • Days 8–12: Day Skipper Practical pilotage, passage planning, boat handling and command exercises
  • Marine Radio VHF/SRC tuition and assessment arranged alongside the confirmed programme
Yacht Haven Marina, PhuketOpen in Google Maps →

Sailing Yacht on This Course

Practical courses are currently scheduled aboard our dedicated liveaboard training yacht from Yacht Haven Marina.

Andaman Cruise 2 training yacht placeholder

Andaman Cruise 2

Jeanneau · Sun Odyssey 42DS

LOA: 42 ft (12.8 m) · 3 cabins · 2 heads

Comfort: air conditioning, electric toilet and a fully equipped galley.

View yacht information →

What Is Included

Included

  • Five-day RYA Competent Crew practical course
  • Five-day RYA Day Skipper Practical course
  • RYA Marine Radio VHF/SRC course
  • Onboard accommodation during both practical training weeks
  • Use of the yacht's safety and training equipment
  • Fuel, marina fees and normal yacht operating costs during practical training

Not included

  • RYA Day Skipper Theory online course
  • Accommodation ashore and personal arrangements during the intervening weekend
  • Flights and transport to or from Phuket
  • Travel insurance and personal expenses
  • Meals, drinks and personal provisions
  • Other optional services not specifically stated as included

Optional extras

  • Bedding and towel€25 per person
  • Course textbook€20 per book
  • RYA logbook€20 per book
  • Airport pickup€30 per trip
  • Shore accommodation€50 pp / night

These can be selected on the booking page.

Course Syllabus

  • Competent Crew practical syllabus
  • Preparation for sea, pilotage and practical navigation
  • Yacht handling under sail and power
  • Passage making, command and crew management
  • Emergency situations and onboard safety
  • Marine VHF, DSC and distress procedures

Recommended to Bring

  • Quick-drying clothing and non-marking footwear
  • Sun protection and a light waterproof layer
  • Soft luggage suitable for extended liveaboard training
  • Navigation notes and tools requested before arrival
  • Passport-size photograph for skipper certification

Supporting Courses

Local Information

Flights and Arrival

Phuket International Airport is approximately 20–30 minutes by road from Yacht Haven Marina in normal traffic. Plan to arrive with enough time for Sunday-evening boarding. Airport transfer and accommodation before or after the course can be arranged separately.

Typical Weather

Phuket is warm throughout the year, but the monsoon seasons influence wind, rainfall and route planning. These are typical patterns rather than a forecast.

Nov–Jan

24–31°C

Drier northeast-monsoon period with more sunshine and generally comfortable cruising conditions.

Feb–Apr

25–33°C

Hot, mostly dry weather. Winds can become lighter and more variable as the season progresses.

May–Aug

24–32°C

Southwest-monsoon sailing with tropical showers, fresher winds and more swell on exposed routes.

Sep–Oct

24–31°C

Typically the wettest and most changeable period, with squalls and routes adjusted to conditions.

Your Next RYA Step

After completing the pathway, consolidate your command experience and build miles before progressing toward Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory and Coastal Skipper Practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the 12-day Day Skipper Fast Track organised?

The programme combines five days of RYA Competent Crew, an intervening weekend, and five days of RYA Day Skipper Practical. RYA Marine Radio VHF/SRC tuition and assessment are arranged around the confirmed programme. Your joining instructions provide the final boarding, training and assessment schedule.

Do I need previous sailing experience before joining?

No previous sailing experience is required for the complete pathway. It begins with Competent Crew and progressively develops the practical seamanship, navigation, boat handling and command skills needed for Day Skipper. You should have reasonable mobility and fitness for two practical liveaboard weeks, and the minimum age is 16.

Must I complete Day Skipper Theory before the practical programme?

You must reach RYA Day Skipper Theory knowledge standard before certification at the practical level. We strongly recommend completing the online theory course with Skippers Online or Ardent Training before arriving in Phuket. Theory course fees are separate from the Fast Track package.

Is the RYA Marine Radio VHF/SRC course included?

Yes. The package includes the RYA Marine Radio VHF/SRC course and the assessment arrangements stated in your booking. The exact timing is coordinated with the two practical weeks and confirmed in your joining instructions.

Where do I stay during the two practical weeks and middle weekend?

Onboard accommodation is included during both practical training weeks according to your selected tariff. The intervening weekend is for consolidation, rest and your own arrangements, so accommodation ashore and personal weekend costs are not included. We can recommend options near Yacht Haven Marina.

How are meals and provisions arranged?

Meals, drinks and personal provisions are not included. During the practical weeks, the crew shares the yacht's equipped galley, cooking duties and limited refrigerated and dry storage. Tell us about allergies and dietary needs before arrival, and use soft luggage because space aboard is limited.

Will Competent Crew and Day Skipper students share the yacht?

They may. The courses are compatible: Competent Crew students develop practical crewing skills while Day Skipper candidates practise planning, briefing and command. The instructor manages the programme so each student receives suitable tasks, coaching and time at the helm, with a maximum of five students aboard.

Are the course certificates guaranteed at the end of the Fast Track?

No. RYA course-completion certificates are awarded only when the relevant standard is demonstrated, and the VHF/SRC certificate requires completion of its separate assessment process. The instructor monitors progress throughout the programme and will explain any skill or knowledge areas that need further development.

Duration

12 days

Price from

€2,430

Book online theory course

Course reviews

What students say

Illustrative testimonials for design development. Replace these examples with verified student feedback before public launch.

1 / 20
Alex Morgan, sailing course student

I arrived as a complete beginner and finished the week confidently helming, handling sails and helping around the yacht. Steve Miller explained everything calmly, and learning among the limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay was unforgettable.

Alex Morgan

RYA Competent Crew

United Kingdom

Sofia Bennett, sailing course student

The liveaboard format made the course feel like real cruising rather than a series of classroom exercises. Phuket's warm water, quiet anchorages and spectacular scenery made an ideal place to learn.

Sofia Bennett

RYA Competent Crew

Singapore

Daniel Wu, sailing course student

Steve gave me space to make decisions while always keeping the boat and crew safe. By Friday I was planning approaches, briefing the crew and taking command with much more confidence.

Daniel Wu

RYA Day Skipper Practical

Germany

Lena Fischer, sailing course student

A challenging but very rewarding week. Pilotage around Phuket's islands turned the chartwork into something practical, and Steve's feedback after every manoeuvre was clear and useful.

Lena Fischer

RYA Day Skipper Practical

Hong Kong

Oliver Grant, sailing course student

The passages, changing conditions and busy approaches gave us plenty to work with. Steve remained calm throughout and pushed each student at exactly the right level.

Oliver Grant

RYA Coastal Skipper Practical

Australia

Camille Laurent, sailing course student

I wanted more confidence leading an experienced crew, not just another certificate. The coaching was precise, the yacht was comfortable, and the Andaman sailing area was genuinely beautiful.

Camille Laurent

RYA Coastal Skipper Practical

France

Thomas de Vries, sailing course student

Steve quickly identified the small habits that were weakening my skippering. The week was intensive, practical and focused, and I went into the exam feeling properly prepared rather than simply rehearsed.

Thomas de Vries

Yachtmaster Preparation

Netherlands

Maya Hassan, sailing course student

Excellent preparation for command, pilotage and crew management. Steve asked difficult questions but always explained the reasoning, and the varied waters around Phuket provided a superb training ground.

Maya Hassan

Yachtmaster Preparation

United Arab Emirates

Narin Chai, sailing course student

The passage-planning and navigation topics finally made sense. Every exercise connected back to situations we could encounter around Phuket and Phang Nga Bay.

Narin Chai

RYA Day Skipper Theory

Thailand

Li Wei, sailing course student

A well-structured course with patient explanations and plenty of practical examples. It gave me the confidence to move from theory into my Day Skipper practical week.

Li Wei

RYA Day Skipper Theory

China

Erik Lund, sailing course student

An intensive programme made manageable through logical teaching and excellent course materials. Weather, passage planning and collision regulations were all connected into one clear picture.

Erik Lund

Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory

Sweden

Aisha Rahman, sailing course student

The radio procedures were taught clearly and then practised until they felt natural. I left understanding how to make routine, urgency and distress calls—not merely how to pass the assessment.

Aisha Rahman

RYA Marine Radio SRC

Malaysia

Connor Murphy, sailing course student

Steve made a technical subject relaxed and practical. The DSC exercises and realistic call scenarios were especially useful, and I felt fully prepared for the exam.

Connor Murphy

RYA Marine Radio SRC

Ireland

Hannah Brooks, sailing course student

A practical first-aid day focused on the realities of helping someone afloat. The marine scenarios made the training far more relevant than a standard workplace course.

Hannah Brooks

RYA First Aid

New Zealand

James Walker, sailing course student

Two packed days of manoeuvring, planning and close-quarters handling. Steve was patient, precise and encouraging, and I finished feeling ready to handle a powerboat independently.

James Walker

RYA Powerboat Level 2

United Kingdom

Emi Tanaka, sailing course student

The training was professional without feeling pressured. Practising around Phuket gave us a useful mix of open water, marina handling and real traffic.

Emi Tanaka

RYA Powerboat Course

Japan

Chloe Martin, sailing course student

A perfect introduction to sailing. I was nervous at the start, but Steve had me steering and helping with sails on the first day. I immediately wanted to continue to Competent Crew.

Chloe Martin

RYA Start Yachting

Canada

Pieter Jacobs, sailing course student

Real miles, proper watchkeeping and useful coaching rather than simply being a passenger. Sunrise among the islands and the overnight sailing were highlights of the trip.

Pieter Jacobs

Andaman Mile Builder

South Africa

Luca Bernardi, sailing course student

The two-course pathway worked brilliantly. I built solid crew skills first and then learned to make decisions as skipper, all while living aboard in one of the most scenic sailing areas I have visited.

Luca Bernardi

Competent Crew + Day Skipper Package

Switzerland

Rachel Adams, sailing course student

The private format let Steve tailor every exercise to our family and our future cruising plans. We learned a huge amount, enjoyed beautiful Phuket anchorages and never felt rushed.

Rachel Adams

Private Yacht Training

United States